SPREADING the word on a much-misunderstood form of diabetes will help save lives and inspire sufferers to follow their dreams.

That was the simple message of a special event which also saw Dingwall Primary raise a remarkable £1727 in a single day for a charity researching diabetes in young people.

Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose in the blood to become too high. It is not linked to diet, age or lifestyle, can't be prevented and has no cure, It requires multiple daily insulin injections, or the use of an insulin pump, just to stay alive as well as continual monitoring of blood glucose levels.

There are currently 400,000 people in the UK with type 1 diabetes, over 29,000 of them children.

Record-breaking cyclist and ultra-marathon runner Roddy Riddle told children of his determination to live a life without limits and met pupil Chloe MacAllister (8), a fellow sufferer who inspired a superhero-themed day of events.

Her mum Melissa said: "No one thinks it will happen to them – we didn't. People are often not aware of the symptoms. If you know the symptoms, it could save someone's life, it's as simple as that. Roddy showed that just because you have it doesn't stop you from doing what you want to do."

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Chloe was diagnosed before shortly before turning five. She was constantly thirsty no matter how much water she drank and her mother's suspicions were confirmed by tests. Ms MacAllister admitted it was "a big adjustment" but said her daughter "has taken it really well".

The JDRF (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) offered vital advice and information. Ms MacAllister admitted:"There's not a day I don't worry about her.You just have to get on with it and make sure you are doing your best." She said the school has been "fantastic" with trained pupil support assistants. She said of Roddy Riddle: "He has done amazing things. He wanted to get that message across to the children. It's so fantastic to have someone like him to inspire people."

Chloe needs to test her blood before she eats anything and uses an insulin pump. She needs to consider the number of carbohydrates she takes in and facts ranging from the temperature to levels of excitement in her day to day thinking to ensure she stays in balance. "Once you know the triggers it's half the battle, said her mother. "I would like to see it done at other schools. Even a baby can be diagnosed. If you don't know the symptoms it's not going to be a good outcome."

Teacher Laura Forbes who helped organise the day said there had been fantastic feedback and awareness raised.

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